Subclinical Hearing Deficits in Noise-Exposed Firefighters
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 15509554 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Hillary Snapp (0000-0002-2000-5357, University of Miami, corresponding author), Natasha Schaefer Solle (0000-0001-8166-2732, University of Miami), Barbara Millet (0000-0002-2618-2186, University of Miami), Suhrud M Rajguru (0000-0001-5953-8516, University of Miami) |
| Year | 2022 |
| Volume | 19 |
| Issue | 17 |
| Pages | 11028-11028 |
| Publication date | 2022-09-03 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601 |
| Publisher | Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3390/ijerph191711028 |
| PMID | 36078744 |
| OpenAlex | W4294740361 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 2 |
| References cited | 2 |
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the most prevalent occupational disease in the world and firefighters are at increased risk of NIHL due to their frequent exposure to hazardous levels of noise during service. Adverse effects of NIHL include acceleration of age-related hearing loss and an increased risk of cognitive decline. A critical challenge in addressing NIHL is the delayed clinical presentation of symptoms and lack of sensitive tools for early detection. To study the early clinical symptoms of NIHL in this high-risk group, we collected hearing function data including behavioral audiometric thresholds and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) in 176 firefighters during annual physical assessments. Results revealed significant deficits in cochlear outer hair cell function in the presence of normal audiograms. Additionally, 55% of firefighters self-reported changes in hearing, while 20% self-reported concerns about their balance. This study is the first to characterize DPOAEs in firefighters who display decreased DPOAE amplitudes with increasing years in the fire service. These effects were observed even when controlling for hearing loss and age and are suggestive of a link between hearing loss and occupational exposure to hazardous noise
Audiogram · Audiology · Audiometry · Hearing loss · Industrial noise · Noise exposure · Noise-induced hearing loss · Subclinical infection · Hearing Loss and Rehabilitation · Hearing, Cochlea, Tinnitus, Genetics · Medicine · Noise Effects and Management · Internal Medicine
| Citations per year | 0.67 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2023 - 2023 (1) |
| Highly cited | No |